The Blessing of Today

Dear Friend,

I think I have a backward heart. It seems that I'm always looking back to when the boys were younger, when they were small enough to hold on my hip...back to days when things weren't necessarily easy but endlessly sweet.

But the Lord is teaching me about trust.

Here's the link to my recent Family Grace post at Guideposts:


https://www.guideposts.org/blog/the-blessings-of-today

Wishing you peace and joy tonight...

Lovingly,
Shawnelle

Turning Pain into Purpose

Hello Friend,

Poor Isaiah. The first of five boys to get a cavity.

But as he and I sat on the steps, after the filling, I was reminded of how our pain, our hurts, can be used to benefit others.

Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:


https://www.guideposts.org/blog/turning-pain-into-purpose

How precious - that the Lord numbers our tears and holds them in a jar.

Father, use my tears to help someone else today. Amen.

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Turn to Jesus WhenYou're Stressed

Dear Friend,

Stress. It comes close. Whether it's sweating the small stuff, like an overloaded schedule, or heavy life worries, circumstances, and concerns, sometimes I feel like I could buckle under the weight.

Can you relate?

The other day, while waiting for a train (and being very late for swim practice), the Lord spoke to my heart about overcoming.

My hope is in Jesus.

He has overcome the world.

I can take heart.

Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:

https://www.guideposts.org/blog/turn-to-jesus-when-youre-stressed

I am so grateful...

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Back from Vacation - Two Posts

Hello Friend,

We're back from a week at our favorite place (other than home). Higgins Lake in Michigan. What a sweet blessing...refreshment.

Here are the links to the posts at Guideposts from while we were away:


FINDING GRATITUDE IN SMALL PLACES

https://www.guideposts.org/blog/gratitude-in-small-places

USING OUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS TO HELP OTHERS

https://www.guideposts.org/blog/using-our-spiritual-gifts-to-help-others


Thanks for reading. I'm so very grateful for your friendship!

May you be blessed today.

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Hope For A Hurting World

Hello Friend,

Samuel sat on the chair in the kitchen while I made dinner. We talked about deep things.

There is hurt in the world.

Our hope is in Jesus.

Here's the link to a recent post at Guideposts:

http://www.guideposts.org/blog/hope-for-a-hurting-world

Thank you for sharing this time and space with me.

Wishing you hope on this day...

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

When We Need Attention

Hello Friend,

I'm convinced that we all need it. There are times when we long for it.

Attention.

Love.

Someone to affirm and encourage us.

This came to heart as Sam and I helped in the toddler room at VBS last week. Watching the little ones reminded me of God's unchanging grace.

Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:

http://www.guideposts.org/blog/when-we-want-gods-attention

I'm so thankful for His compassion!

Wishing you a warm and wonderful summer weekend...

Lovingly,

Shawnelle

Stop Stress With Praise

Hello Friend,

The other day I woke up and felt the pressure of stress before my feet hit the floorboards. No unpleasant thing was going to happen that day - it was just the weight of knowing that my to-do list was long and the day was to-the-limit full.

Can you relate?

Often it seems that's the way that we roll.

The Lord, though, in kindness and grace, reminded me of His Presence in the busy of my day. He gently reminded me of His care, and the pressure turned to praise.

Here's the link to my recent post at Guideposts:


http://www.guideposts.org/blog/stop-stress-with-praise

Wishing you a praise-filled day, too. May we be keenly aware of His care for us.

Lovingly,

Shawnelle